Solderless wire connector



Feb. 14, 1939. s. N. BUCHANAN SOLDERLESS WIRE CONNECTOR 2 Sheets-Sheet lFiled Nov. Z50, 1957 Feb. 14, 1939. s. N. BUCHANAN I soLDERLEss WIRECONNECTOR 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Nov. so, i937 INVENTOR. STEPHEN N.BUCHANAN ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 14, 1939 SOLDERLESS WIRE CONNECTORStephen N.

to The Thomas & Betts Co., vcorporation of New `Jersey Buchanan,Elizabeth, N. J., assignor Elizabeth, N. 1., a

Application November 30, 1937, Serial No. 177,182

19 claim.

The invention relates to a wire connector of the solderless type bywhich small wires may be easily and quickly connected and securedwithout the use of solder. The wire connector is of the push-in type, inthat a wire is inserted within a contractile clamping member which isforcibly pushed into a connector member which contracts the, former,thereby gripping the wire and securing it within the connector.

This application is a continuation in part of my earlier applicationfiled April 10, 1934 under Serial No. 719,828.

An object of the invention isfto produce a solderless push-in wireconnector which'securely grips the wire and is assembled by insertingthe c Wire in a contractile clamping member or bushing which is thenvcontracted to grip the wire Y by pushing or forcing the same into aconnector member, in the form of an outer sleeve orshell,

by a jawed tool such as a pair of pliers.

Another object of the invention is to produce a push-in wireconnector'which nrmly grips the 1 Wire and which also resists looseninglof the wire Y and separation of the parts forming the connector whenthe latter or the wire is subjected n to vibration. i

Other objects will b'e seen from the following description taken inconnection with the accom. panying drawings showing an example and tlieprinciples of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a disassembled View of the wire connector showing thecontractile clamping member, the-,connector member ywithin which thecontractile vclamping member is pushed, and the` angle means or bracketby which the wire connector maybe secured in desired position inA anvelectrical circuit.

Figure 2 is a. longitudinal section through thev parts of the wireconnector showing it anchoredy to the anglemeans by'swaging or rolling.A wire is shown in position 'preparatory to being inserted within thecontractile clamping member.

Figure 3 is an outer end 'viewin elevation of ythe contractile clampingmember.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal assembled push-in connector in which fthecontractile clamping member `is'shown contracted and gripping the wire.

they assembled wire connector of Figure 4. a

Figure A6.. shows-a solderless wire connector whose parts, excepting forinternal serrations in.'

section through an` clamping Figure 5 is an outer end view inelevation"of` .to install the connector.

Figure 6 shows an assembly of the separate parts to produce a joinedconstruction or a onepiece assembly. This view is a longitudinal sectionthrough the wire connector, with the smaller end of the contractileclamping member or bushing initially pressed only part way into the boreof the shell .and retained in this relation for its convenientcommercial use, and also preparatory to expanding the bushing to makefor further convenience in use as shown in the next view. v

' Figure 7 also shows an assembly of the parts, with Ythe smallerannularly rigidend of the contractile clamping member in thesamevposition as before. However, the contractile clamping member orbushing arms has now been'expanded so that the wire-receiving bore isenlarged, ande` the angularity of the outer` cone has been increased.The conical clamping member now annularly engages the inner end edge ofthe shell bore for amore rmly seated bracing support ltherein whichvmore rmly anchors the two parts together for preferred commercial use.

Figure 8 is a reduced-size longitudinal section through the wireconnector of Figure 7. In ad- :L Figure 9 shows both jaws of the toolclosed againstthe ends of the shell, that-ls, the tool jaw engaging the`large end of the contractile bushing has now come to rest upon the nearendof theshell, thus pressing said bushing 'intofilnal position andpermanently gripping the wire.v The wire insulation has moved rearwardlyvby the/bushing but remains in contact with it .and is vstill'within theshell so that a neat ravel-proof wiring connection is made. Suchoperation is quickly efiectedand thetool may now be removed, leaving thecompleted wiring job as seen in Figure t.

Figure l0 is what may be-called a top view Y of the wire connector,looking down upon Figure 9, thus showing an end view of the tool whenlooking directly at the jaw ends in their closed position after theclamping member is pressed into the shell.

Figure il shows the large end of the contractile clamping member orbushing, as used in Figure 6, or before it is expanded.

Figure 12 is a longitudinal section through Figure 11, also showing thecontractile clamping member or bushing, as used in Figure 6, or beforeit is expanded.

This push-in wire connector is particularly desirable because it can bereadily assembled without hammering it. A jawed tool, in the form ofpliers, is used to press the parts together to make a solderlesselectrical connection. This push-in wire connector can be easilyassembled to firmly grip the end of a wire and also lock the connectorparts onto the wire. One difficulty with previous solderless wireconnectors has been that when subjected to vibration the connector partswould unloosen. The push-in wire connector described herein hassuccessfully withstood vibration ltests Without loosening of the wire orthe two parts forming this connector.

The push-in wire connector of the invention comprises a connector memberor shell I0 having a straight or cylindrical bore II therethrough. Theconnector member I0 also has a neck or reduced portion I2 which isinserted within the opening I4 of an angle means or member I5 forming ananchorage means. The neck I2 is then rolled or swaged or otherwiseexpanded to secure the connector member I0 to the angle strap or memberI5. The connector member is relatively thin walled so that the latterwill be capable of some degree of distortion as will appear more y fullyhereinafter. The method shown of securing the connector member I0 to theangle means I5 is merely illustrative, and any other method of securingthese two parts together is contemplated. Clearly, the two parts I0 andI5 may be integral if desired, although from a manufacturing standpointthe construction shown is preferred. Again, any anchorage'means, otherthan the angle member I5, may be utilized for securing the connectormember to other structure. The angle means I5 carries one or moreperforations or holes I6 for receiving bolts or screws, not shown, forsecuring the connector in desired position. The connector member I0 andthe angle member I5 together may be regarded as the receiving means forthe clamping bushing next described.

A contractile or resilient clamping member in the form of a bushing 20has a bore 2| through which the end of the Wire W is inserted. The bore2l may have an enlarged or tapered end 22 in order to more easily insertthe wire end W into the bore 2 I. The outer surface 23 of the clampingmember 20 is conical. The small diameter end of the conical clampingmember is substantially the diameter of the cylindrical bore II in theconnector member I0 and preferably is the same 'diameter or a close ttherewith. The taper of the outer surface 23 of the contractile member20 is such that the diameter at its larger end is greater by preferably15nd of an inch. As an example, the contractile clamping member 20 is-gths of an inch outside diameter at the smaller end and is Blinds of aninch outside diamammesse eter at the larger end. In this example, thestraight bore il of the connector member lll is also feths of an inch.

The contractile bushing or clamping member 20 is made contractilepreferably by a pair of longitudinal slots 24 which extend from thelarger diameter end of the clamping member and terminate at a pointspaced from the smaller diameter end. Any suitable number of slots orcuts 24 may be used. The contractile member 20 has a biting or lockingshoulder 25 which preferably extends around the entire circumference ofthe clamping member. 'Ihis shoulder is formed by a circumferentialgroove in the outer surface of the clamping member. The shoulder 25 isadjacent to the ends of the longitudinally extending slots 24 and facestowards the larger diameter ,end of the contractile clamping member 20.Be-

cause of the taper of the exterior surface 23, the diameter of theclamping member 20 at the shoulder 25 is larger than or makes a closelit with the bore I I in the connector member I0 and forms thereby apress or push t with the connector member. The shoulder 25 it will benoted is also at a point where the clamping member is not contractile sothat this shoulder, it is believed, bites into the cylindrical bore IIand not only firmly secures the clamping member 20 therein, but also'contributes to the resistance offered by the wire connector againstloosening when subjected to vibration.

The push-in Wire connector is assembled with a wire in a manner now tobe described.` The wire W has the insulation removed from. the endthereof and this wire is projected throughV the bore I I of theconnector member I0 and then the bore 22 of the contractile clampingmember 20 is pushed onto the bare or clean end of the wire so that thewire preferably projects through the clamping member 20. The small endand biting edge 25 of the clamping member is placed into the bore I Iand a jawed tool, like a pair of pliers, may then be used to force thecontractile clamping member 20 allthe way in the bore II and collapse itaround the wire. The conical exterior surface 23 slidably engages thecylindrical bore II in the connector member which forces contraction ofthe former to collapse upon and firmly grip the wire W, as shown inFigure 4.

The contractile clamping member 20 is pressed far enough into the boreII by the,jaws of the pliers so that the left-hand annular edge of theresilient clamping member, as viewed in Figure 4, will be all the wayinside and spaced from the end of the connector member I0. The clampingmember 20 is of such diameter that it distorts or expands the resilientconnector member Il), and after the clamping member passes within theend of the bore, the expanding or disto. ting pressure is removed sothat the natural resiliency of the connector member forms a shoulderwhich locks the clamping member in wire clamping position. Thecontraction of the connector member I0, or the shoulder formed by thenatural distortion and resiliency thereof, and the biting o f the ring25 into said member I0, holds the clamping member 20 from being vibratedout of the connector member and particularly in a direction to the left,or in the direction in which the clamping member was inserted.

In aid of a more securely final locking and clamping of the bushing 20and wire W Within the resilient connector member Ill, a second bitingedge 26 may be spaced from the end of said bushing. When this form ofthe contractile clamping bushing is forced into the connector member IIIfar enough so that their respective left ends are ush or even, the sharpedge 26 will be locked behind a shoulder formed within the bore II bythe contraction of the connector member around said edge. A reduced end26n on the clamping member 20 forms a sort of an end boss adapted to beengaged by one jaw of the pliers so that the conical portion of thesplit bushing 2U can be pressed or sunk all the way into the bore II inorder that the edge 26 lock and rmly secure itself within the shell I0.The ring or rings 25 and 26 bites into the surface of the cylindricalbore II and positively anchors the contractile clamping member therein,preventing the connector parts being loosened when subjected tovibration.

It will now be understood that one of the more important phases of thisinvention and the solderless connector relates to the matter ofsimplicity based upon the reduction of the number of parts thereof.'Such feature lnheres in this new combination, consisting of onlyv twotelescoping contractile parts or an interlocking pair, to-wit, the shellI0 and the collapsible split bushing 20. The structural relation andcoaction of these parts provide a means for positively locking themtogether on a wire W. In the illustrated example of the invention, themeans in question comprises a. relationship in length of the lockingpair, whereby a connector is produced which neither requires screwthreads, soldering, nor a hammer to assemble it in final position.

As here shown, the external resilient shell III has a drawn or boredsocket receptacle I I which is somewhat longer than, or at least as longas, the internal collapsible bushing clamp 20. The result is that theinside bushing is adapted to be sunk into and completely embraced by andlocked within the outer sleeve receptacle orshell I0, so that the end orends of the bushing are not exposed and hence are protected against anyunloosened effort or vibration. The connector, therefore, cannot beunfastened without the mutilation or destruction thereof.

It is anadvantage, as Flgure.4 indicates, to press the bushing 20 homeinto final position by a pressure tool, in the form of pliers asdistinguished from a hammer, so that both ends of the bushing 20 arejust inside and spaced from the ends of the shell I0. With thisarrangement, it has been found that the distorted resilient end or endsof the shell contract around and circumferentially pinch down upon theend or ends of the bushing, this according to present understanding ofthe unusually permanent and effective holding ability of the connector.

The central portion of the resilient shell III is under the expansivedistorting force of the internal conical bushing 20. Since, however, thecircumferential end or ends of the shell are freely overhanging theinside ends of the bushing, there exists a marked contracting tendencyof said free ends to contract upon and shoulder down over one or bothends of the bushing. This function makes the solderless connectorvibration-proof, in that the bushing and its wire cannot creep in eitherdirection relatively to the shell.

It is not desirable to use a hammer around delicate electrical wiring,on instrument boards, and in numerous other places where positiveelectrical contact and connections can now be made with this connector.The use of a hammer endangers other parts, jars and vbrates otherconnections, and is generally uncertain and impractical. Moreover, onemisdirected blow from a hammer in an unskilled hand will cut orpartially cut a wire. The use of a hammer is a pronounced dilculty withcertain of the previous solderless connectors.

A jawed pressure tool, such as a pair of pliers, even in the hands ofthe unskilled, is greatly preferred because its force is continuouslyand evenly applied and does not have the disadvantage of impactoperations. The jaws of such a tool can be applied only to the partbeing assembled, and does not endanger other parts and connections.Consequently, the present invention was devised in the light of all thecircumstances recounted above and for installation by using a jawedtool. The handles of such a tool afford the necessary leverage forpressing the bushing deeply into place, as shown in Figure 4. One jaw ofthe tool rests in a stationary manner on the right-hand end of the shelll0, while the other jaw rests in a movable manner on `the y outer end26s of the bushing. The tool preferably has each jaw forked so as tostraddle the wire W. 'Ihen by bringing the tool handles together, themovable jaw presses the bushing 20 home and sinks it deeply into thereceiving shell I0, as illustrated.

It is important to note that the starting end, that is the small end ofthe bushing 20, does not travel to the far end of the resilient shellI0, and consequently cannot reach and impinge the stationary tool jawresting under pressure on the right-hand end cf the shell. If thatshould occur, the bushing would not fully and completely enter the frontend I2 of the shell. This capability of the bushing to fully enter theshell II), so that the two ends of the bushing are spaced from the twoends of the shell, possesses an unusually permanent locking function, asheretofore described. This is all brought about by the use of a suitablepressure tool, safe in its use around sensitive instruments and wiring.The handles of such a tool are simply actuated or brought together untilthe movable jaw, resting on the bushing boss 26, comes to rest upon theend I2 of the shell, whereupon the sliding bushing comes to rest in adeeply interlocked position and cannot be dislodged or vibrated loose.

In view of the foregoing, it now will be understood that the capacity ofthe distorted shell III to circumferentially lock upon and around theends of the bushing 20 is positive and effective irrespective of whetheror not one or more or any number of circumferential biting edges 25 and26 are employed. In other words, these biting grooves or shoulders 25and 26, facing forwardly in the direction of the bushing end 26, alsoact to anchor the bushing within the shell and may add somewhat to theeffectiveness of such anchoring function. However, it is seen that oneor more spaced biting rings 25 or 26 may or may not be necessary,depending-somewhat upon the structural design, the requirements ofmanufacturing procedure, and the size and capacity of the connector.

It is also pointed out that the design and conopposing forces, firstthat of the jawed tool which is pressing the conical bushing into theshell, and

, second the resisting capacity of said resilient shell against expandeddistortion which denitely reacts by contracting around the bushing andmore especially around the bushing end or ends. In this fashion, theslotted or cut bushing exercises a powerful grip upon the bare wire endW. Ordinarily, the end of the insulation can be thrust into the shelland jammed up tightly against the small end of the bushing, and thus aneat wiring connection is made.

A further feature of importance making for the utility of thissolderless wire connector resides in the fact that the two contractiletelescopically interlocked connector parts I0 and 20 are so made thatthey can be or are initially assembled as one step in the manufacturethereof. These two joined parts, therefore, are held together as a unitor a one-piece device for convenience in handling. One preferred form ofthe bushing 20 is represented in the drawings, wherein the plurality ofslot means 24 cut completely through the large contractile end of thebushing clamp, said slot means also extending longitudinally toward thesmaller end, but. not cutting through said smaller end. In this way, thesmaller bushing end remains rigid; and this rigid end can be easilyplaced or inserted part way into one end of the shell I0 by lightpressure and positively held there by friction, doing so withoutcollapsing the contractile end. Thus, the larger end of the contractilebushing projects all the way out from the end of the shell after thedevice is manufactured, and remains in that form until the connector isactually used on a Wiring job.

The foregoing initial assembly at the factory can be done by hand or byan automatic insert# ing machine which merely sets the small end of thebushing only a part way into one end of the shell I0, but not far enoughthereinto as will cornpres's or collapse the large contractile end ofthe bushing. Consequently, the solderless connectors made in accordancewith this invention are assembled at the factory and conveniently remainintact until the mechanic is ready to use them on the job. He simplypicks up the connector, both parts of which are joined, and inserts thewire W into the free end of the shell I0, that is, the end not carryingthe bushing 20, and he then projects the wire on through the bore 2|, 22of the bushing. His jawed tool is then applied like a pair of pliers asheretofore described, and the bushing 20 is rammed home the remainder ofthe distance into the shell and actually sunk deeply thereinto with theresult that the several bushing jaws, formed by the slotted means 24,collapse upon the wire and grip it to the shell I0.

On the other hand, previous two-part solderless wire connectors of thenon-screw-thread type have not been produced in a manner for convenienthandling. More generally, some of them have merely included the bushingalone lfor use in limited elds, and not only do they require a. hammerforinstallation thereof, but otherwise they do not fill the need feltfor a fool-proof and vibration-proof solderless connector of completeform which remains intact, and still expanded with a wide open bushing,ready for use. Some forms of previous connectors very frequently had tobe unscrewed or taken apart by the user before he could insert the wire,thus subjecting the parts to awkward use, as well as loss, and theadditional time required in reassembling them. All

such disadvantages are eliminated by this invention because the mechanicon the job does not take this connector apart when he inserts andfastens a wire thereto.

In the example of the invention shown, the views are purposely enlarged,over the usual standard and commercial size of the connectors, this forclarity in illustration. It will be understood that to a great extent,the general run of small electrical wiring connections necessarilyrequire small size connectors. Consequently, the trade very largelyrequires connectorsl of much smaller size than shown in the enlargedviews of the accompanying drawings.

In the wire connector described, the use of screw threads, as well assolder, to fasten the parts and anchor the wire, has been eliminated.Neither of those previous methods is vibration-proof, since indeedsolder sometimes fractures loose and threaded parts unscrew.

By way of explanation, the words #consisting of have been used in thisdisclosure to denote that the invention in certain phases thereof isbased upon the elimination or absence of other things or elements ofstructure, and when so used is restricted to the embodiment of the partsactually recited.

Figures 6 through l2 illustrate the above-described solderless wireconnector as a one-piece device, and also show how it is used inconnection with a jawed tool, in the nature of pliers P. The wirerconnector is like that illustrated in Figures l through 5, exceptingthat the bushing 20 has four slots 24, thus dividing it into fourclamping arms, instead of two slots forming two arms first illustrated.The two-arm bushing is readily used on small wires, and the four-armbushing is well adapted to larger wires. As previously explained, anynumber of slots, to provide any number of bushing clamping arms, may beused.

In Figure 6, the wire connector comprises the two telescopicallyinterlocking contractile parts heretofore described, the conical bushing20 being received into the shell I0 to attach a wire to the connector.As before, the slots 24 cut through thelarger end of the bushing andterminate at a point 28 spaced a short distance from the smaller endadjacent a ring 29 forming the small rigid end which carries the bitingedge preferably of annular form.

When the rigid or ring-like end 29 of the bushing 20 is short orcomparatively thin longitudinally as shown, it preferably has adiameter, particularly at 25, slightly larger than that of the bore I lso that it has a press iit within the bore. The bushing is pressedpartially into the sleeve or shell, and because of -its press fltremains permanently aixed to and protruding therefrom, withoutanycontraction of the bushing, as shown in Figure 6 or '7. 'I'his is dueto the fact that the bushing is not inserted far enough to initiate thecollapsing movement of its arms, since the conical surface 23 has notyet been acted upon by the shell.

This wire connector, as shown in Figure 6 or 7, provides a two-partdevice completely assembled and ready for use. vWith the two partsinitially pressed together, there is little likelihood of the two partsbecoming separated with the resulting inconvenience of handling looseparts. The two parts are permanently held together and do not have to beseparated in making ready to fasten a wire to the connector.

The wire bore 2|, at the smaller end of the bushing, communicates with aconical mouth or wire-piloting bore 22 of increasing size, whereby thebare` end of the wire W is more readily started by guiding it into thebushing. The bore 2| and enlarged mouth 22 meet at a juncture line orthroat 30 which is spaced somewhat forwardly from the bottom ends 28 ofthe slots, as shown for example in Figures 2, 6 and '7. This structuralarrangement has advantages, later explained, arising out of increasingthe internal diameter of the wire bore and hence at the throat 30 whenthe bushing 20 is expanded, as in Figure 1.

The wire bore 2| is preferably serrated to simulate screw threads, or isroughened so that the wire is more firmly gripped by the bushing and a`better electrical connection is established with the wire. Theserrations also make for increased contraction or collapsing movement ofthe bushing arms when they move inwardly. ySuch action follows becausethe wire cold flows into the interstices of the serrations by reason ofthe pressure exerted as the bushing arms close inwardly on the 'slots24, have been spread apart or expanded,

preferably after the bushing is inserted part way into the shell. Itwill be observed thatthe slots 24 extend into the conical mouth 22somewhat beyond the throat line 30, so that in expanding the clampingarms the bending axis thereof is adjacent the rigid ring 29 at the smallend of the bushing. i A

As further observed in Figure 7, the outward bending or expansion of thebushing clamp arms enlarges the wire bore 2| throughout, andparticularly at the throat 30 which is the point of wire entry thatreally is the determining factor of the wire size adapted to be receivedinto the bushing. Thus, enlargement of the bushing throat 3B makes forquicker insertion of the maximum wire size for which a given connectoris manufactured. -As a matter of fact, the wire bore 2| may be madeslightly smaller for a given wire size for which the connector ismanufactured, due to the increase in size of the bore at its throat 30,and this important feature makes for increased strength of the wireconnection because it promotes maximum cold flow of the electrical wireinto the bore serrations. l f

It is clear that the increase in size of' the wire bore 2|, in Figure 7,at the throat or line 30 will depend upon the depth to which the slots2l are cut into the conical mouth 22 beyond said throat line .30. Inother words, if the slots extend well into the conical mouth 22, then asomewhat larger increase in throat size occurs at the annular line thebushing 20 also increases the angularity of the outer cone surface 23,as noted in Figure '1.

In this way, the outer surface of the bushing arms is expanded intotight engagement with the annular inside entrance edge at the front end/of the shell bore Il, and thus the bushing is rmly seated and bracedwithin the shell to more rigidly anchor the two parts together. It isnoted that not only is the biting edge 25, with its backing ring 29,seated part way within the shell lli, but that the outer conical surfaceof the bushing also is seated against the entrance edge of the shell endjust forward of the ring 29. This provides two spaced annular seatingcontacts between the two connector parts I0 and 2li, or moreparticularly increases the length of contact therebetween. Such featurefurther insures the permanency of the two-part assembly remainingtogether as a one-piece device after its manufacture.

In connection with the foregoing, it depends somewhat upon how far theconical bushing 20 is set into the shell III, as in Figure 6, as to theamount of annular clearance existing between it and the shell, whichclearanceis pointed out by the rigid ring 29 carrying said lockingshoulder. It is this groove of increasedconicity adjacent the ring 29,shown in both sheets of drawings, which defines the annular clearancespace 23 between the bushing and the entrance edge of the bore andpermits the projecting end of the bushing to be expanded by which toattain the advantages of Figure 7.

The annular clearance 23 in Figure 6 is closed when the arms of thebushing 20 are expanded, and thus disappears as seen in Figure 7. Inthis Way, the two telescopic parts are more firmly secured together intight relation and, as in Figure 6, remain attached after manufacture,so that any amount of Vhandling will not cause looseness to developbetween the parts. Again it is noted that it is not necessary orpossible to separate the two connector parts preparatory to attaching awire to this connector. The latter disadvantage is characteristic of anumber .of solderless wire connectors in the prior art. There is neitherseparation of parts nor screw threaded members with which to bother orlose time in the use of this solderless wire connector.

In Figure 8, the connector is shown with a wire lW inserted preparatoryto attaching it. lThe insulation I has been removed from the wire end,and the bare wire is inserted into the wire bore 2|, with the insulationup against the smaller diameter end of the bushing. The jaws of asuitable tool, such as pliers P, are used to press the bushing theremainder of the way into the shell ill. One jaw engages the outer endof the bushing 20 and the other jaw rests upon the far end xof theshell, so that the one-piece connector lies between the two jaws.

One jaw of the tool P may have a notch or groove so that the bare end ofthe wire W, l

which sometimes projects from the end of the bushing 20; does notinterfere with engagement of the tool jaw against the bushing. The otherjaw has a larger groove so that it may rest upon the far end of theshell. Thus, the twoaxial slots in the tool jaws permit the latter toreadily embrace the small bare wire extremity and also .the largerinsulation,'with the connector parts between the jaws, so the bushingand shell may be easily telescoped into a finally locked and inseparableposition. v l

Upon squeezing the tool jaws together, the bushing 2li is rmly pressedinto the shell it), and because itsbore ll is cylindrical and the outersurface 23 of the bushing is conical, the bushing arms are contracted sothat the wire bore 2l is reducedl substantiallyin diameter and grips thebare wire. The boss 26E upon the end of the bushing, engaged by one jawoi the tool l?, enables the bushing to be completely pushed into thebore it so that the annular biting edge 2S at the larger end is all theway inside and spaced from the end of the shell by the time the lefthand.jaw comes to rest upon the iront or near end of the shell.

When the bushing 2d is pressed into the elastic or distortable shell Ilii, the bushing arms progressively contract and an internal pressure iscreated outwardly against the shell, thereby expanding said shell. Afterthe bushing has been pressed fully into position, the ends of the shellsubstantially overhang the biting and looking ends 25 and 2b of thebushing, and these overhanging shell ends contract or pinch inwardly tocircumferentially bind and grip said bushing ends immovably within thebore of said shell.

This invention is presented to nil a need felt for a solderless wireconnector. lltwill be understood that various modications in structure,as well as changes in mode or operation, assembly, and manner of use,ordinarily occur to those skilled in the art, especially afterbenefiting from the teachings of the invention. And so it will beunderstood that this disclosure is merely illustrative of preferredmeans of carrying the invention into effect by explaining its principlesand advantages. y

What is claimed is:

l. A wire connector comprising, a connector member having a smooth andsubstantially cylindrical bore therein, a contractile clamping memberhaving a wire receiving bore therein, the

contractile clamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface thesmaller diameter v of which is substantially the same diameter as thatof the cylindrical bore of the connector member, at least twolongitudinal slots extending from the larger'diameter end and towardsthe smaller end of the clamping member thereby rendering `the lattercontractile so that it will grip a wire when the clamping member isforced into the bore of the connector member, a circular groove in theconical surface of the clamping member adjacent the ends of thelongitudinal slots where the contractile member has a larger diameterthan that of the cylindrical bore, and the connector member beingresilient so that this member yields and a ridge is formed therein bythe groove which prevents lthe parts from vibrating loose.

2. A wire connector comprising, a connector member having asubstantially cylindrical boretherein, a contractile clamping memberhaving a l wire receiving bore therein, and the contractile clampingmember having a conical exterior surface at least `part of which islarger than the bore of the connector member so that the clamping memberis contracted to grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into thebore of the connector member, and the material of the conl nector memberbeing resilient so that it yields,

the clamping member being inserted in the bore arenas@ shoulder formedby the natural distortion and resiliency of the connector member.

3. A solderless wire connector comprising, a connector member having asmooth and substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile,clamping member -having a wire receiving bore therein, the contractileclamping member having a smooth conical exterior surface the smallerdiameter of which is substantially the same diameter as that of thecylindrical bore of the connector member, at least two longitudinalslots extending from the larger diameter end of the clamping memberthereby rendering the larger end contractile so that it will contractand grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the bore of theconnector member, each slot ending at a point spaced from the smallerdiameter end thereby forming a rigid end with a portion thereof having alarger diameter than the cylindrical bore in the connector member, acircular groove in the conical surface of the clamping member4 adjacentthe ends oi the longitudinal slots and at a point in the rigid end wherethe clamping member is larger than the bore in the connector member, thegroove forming a shoulder facing towards the larger diameter of thecontractile clamping member, the larger end of the clamping member beingreduced to form a shoulder spaced .Y from this end of the clampingmember, the clamping member being forced into the bore far enough sothat the edge of the larger end thereof is spaced from the end of theconnector member whereby the distortion of the lat -ter secures theclamping member in position against vibration.

4. A wire'connector consisting of three parts, a connector member havinga substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clampingmember having a wire receiving bore therein, and an anchorage means, thecontractile clamping member comprising a part having a smooth andconical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of thecylindrical bore at its smaller end and which is larger than the bore ofthe connector member at its larger end so that the clamping member iscontracted to grip a wire when forced into the cylindrical bore "of theconnector from the larger diameter" end towards the smaller end of theclamping member thereby renderingl the latter contractile, and acircular groove in the conical surface adjacent the ends of thelongitudinal slots, the clamping member being forced into the bore ofthe connector member so that the edge of the largeend of the conicalsurface of the clamping member is within the bore and spaced from theend thereof.

5. A solderless wire connector comprising a connector member having asubstantially cylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clampingmember having a wire receiving bore therein, and the contractileclamping member having a conical exterior surface which is substantiallythe diameter of the cylindrical bore at its smaller end and which islarger than the borepof the connector member at its larger end so thatthe clamping mber is contracted to grip a wire when the clampingY memberis forced into the cylindrical bore of the connector member, theclamping member being forced into the bore of the connector member sothat the edge of the large end of the conical surface of the clampingmember, which contacts with the bore, -is within the bore and spacedfrom the end thereof, and the connector member being resilient so thatby forcing the therein, 'a clamping member having a wire re-v ceivingbore therein, the clamping member having a conical exterior surface thesmaller end of which is substantially the same diameter as the bore ofthe connector member, at least two longitudinal slots extending from thelarger diameter end and towards the smaller end of the clamping memberthereby rendering the clamping member contractile so that it willcontract and grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into thebore of the connector member, the clamping member being forced into thebore of the connector member so that the edge of the. large end of theconical surface of the clamping member which is in contact with thebore, is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof, and theconnector member being resilient so that by forcing the clamping memberinto the connector member a ridge is formed at the end of the bore inback of the edge of the clamping member which prevents said members fromvibrating loose.

7. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shellhaving a relatively thin wall and a smooth and substantially cylindricalbore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having a wire receivingbore therein, and the contractile clamping member having a smoothconical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter of thecylindrical bore at its smaller end and which is larger than the bore ofthe connector member at its larger end so that the clamping Amember iscontracted to grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into thecylindrical bore of the connector member, the larger diameter of theclamping member being of such dimension that the clamping member can becompletely forced into the bore of the connector member and so that theedge of the large end of the conical surface of the clamping memberis.within the bore and spaced from the end thereof, the material of theconnector shell e being resilient whereby forcing of the clamping memberinto the bore forms a shoulder at the end thereof which secures theclampingmember in position against vibration, and means to secure theWire connector to some other structure.

8. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shellhaving a relatively' thin wall and a smooth and substantiallycylindrical bore therethrough, a contractible clamping member having awire receiving boretherein, and the contractile clamping member having asmooth conical exterior surface which is substantially the diameter ofthe cylindrical bore at its smaller end and Which is larger than thefing member is within the-bore and spaced from the end thereof, thematerial of the connector shell being resilient whereby forcing of theclamping member into the bore forms a shoulder at the end thereof whichsecures the clamping member in position against vibration, a boss on thelarge diameter end of the clamping member against which pressure isexerted to force the edge of the clamping member into the bore of theconnector shell, and means to secure the 'connector to somelotherstructure.

9. A push-in solderless wire connector comprising a connector shellhaving a relatively thin' wall and a smooth and substantiallycylindrical bore therethrough, a contractile clamping member having awire receiving vbore therein,

so that the clamping member is contracted to.

grip a wire when the clamping member is forced into the cylindrical boreofthe connector member, the larger diameter of the clamping member beingof such dimension that the clamping member can be completely forced intothe bore of the connector member and so that the edge of the large endof the conical surface of the clamping member is within the bore andspaced from the 'end thereof, the material of the connector shell beingresilient whereby forcing of the clamping member into the bore'forms ashoulder at the end thereof which secures the clamping member inposition against vibration, means to secure the wire connector to someiother structure, and the contractile clamping memberbeing shorter thanthe bore in the connector member so that the smaller end of the clampingmember is within the bore and spaced from the end thereof.

o portion substantially shorter than the receptacle in the shell andadapted to be pressed by a jawed tool deeply into the receptacle untilthe I conical portion passes beyond the end of and anchorage therein;the bushing having longitudinally extending slot means cut through itslarger end, whereby said largerend is made contractile to collapsecircumferentially around a Wire which is adapted to be inserted into thebushing; the bushing havingits smaller end, which is held by thereceptacle, inserted only part way into the receptacle to complete theconnector and thusly the parts are permanently held together, with vthelarger contractile bushing end projecting outwardly from the receptaclewithout being collapsed, whereby the use of the connector does notrequire such parts to be separated in order to receive a wire thereinto.

11. A solderless wire connector comprising,in combination, -telescopinginterlocked contractile parts, one of which is an outer shell having astraight bore capable of distortion when under internal pressure,randanother part forming a conically shaped bushing y.adapted -to enter oneerfd of the bore and coacting with the internal surface of the bore,thereby exerting the internal pressure and effecting the distortionaforesaidy when the bushing is pushed into the bore of the shell; lthereaction of such internal pressure and distortion serving toincreasinglyucontract the bushing as its larger end is progressivelyforced into said shell; and slot means included in the larger end of thebushing and contracts to circumferentially bind and grip said largerbushing end immovably within the shell. Y

l2. A wire connector comprising a conical clamping member havinga-circular cross section and initially an axial vwire-receiving boretherethrough; a plurality of slots extending from one end towards theother end, and terminating at a point spaced from said other end,thereby forming a ring-like portion with projecting arms having a smoothouter surface, said arms having their free ends bent outwardly toenlarge the wire-receiving bore, and to provide an axially extendingtapering outer surface for each arm;

and a sleeve having a smooth cylindrical bore of a diametersubstantially that of the ring-like portion, into which bore saidclamping member is adapted to be forced, thereby contracting its armsaround a wire adapted to be received therein.

13. A wire connector comprising a conical clamping member having acircular cross section and initially an axial Wire-receiving boretherethrough, which bore terminates in an enlarged conical wire-guideopening at one end thereof, a plurality of slots cutting through one endof the clamping member and extending therefrom toward andsubstantiallyinto the'v wire-guide opening and terminating at a pointspaced from the other end, thereby forming a ring-like portion withprojecting arms, said arms having their free ends bent outwardly toenlarge the Wire-receiving bore, and to provide an axially extendingtapering outer surface for each arm; and a sleeve having a cylindricalbore which has a diameter substantially that of the ring-like portion,into which the clamping member is adapted to be forced to contract thearms and thus adapting them to grip a wire therebetween.

14. A wire connector comprising a clamping member having an axialwire-receivingl bore therethrough, which bore terminates in an enlargedconical wire-guide opening at one end of said member, a plurality ofslots cutting through and extending from one end towards the other endhaving the conical wire-guide opening, the slots extending substantiallyinto the conical wire-guide opening and terminating at a point spacedfrom the last-named end, thereby forming a ring-like portion withprojecting arms an annular conical surface in the form of 'acircumferential groove 'in the outer surface of the clamping memberadjacent'the termination of the slots, and the arms having their freeends expanded'outwardly to enlarge the wire-receiving bore, and toprovide an axially extending tapering outer surface for each arm; and asleeve havingla bore which has a diameter substantially that of thering-like portion, into which the clamping'member is adapted to beforced to contract its arms, thereby adapting said clamping member toattach a wire to the sleeve.

15. A solderless Wire connector, comprising telescopically interlockedcontractile parts, in combination, one part forming a shell having acylindrical receiving bore, another part forming a bushing having awire-receiving bore and a` conical portion substantially shorter thanthe rearmas@ ceptacle in the shell and adapted to be pressed by a -jawedtool deeply linto the receptacle until,

the conical portion passes beyond the end of and hence all the way intovsaid receptacle for a final anchorage therein; the bushing havinglongitudinally extending slot means cut through its larger end, wherebysaid larger end is made contractile to collapse circumferentially arounda wire which is adapted to be inserted into the bushing; thebushinghaving its smaller end of'a diameter so that it has a press fitwithin the receptacle whereby it is held therein and is inserted onlypart way into the receptacle to complete the connector and thusly theparts are permanently held together, with the larger contractile bushingend projecting outwardly from the receptacle without being collapsed,whereby the use of the connector does not require such parts to beseparated in order to receive a wire thereinto, and the bushing beingexpanded the length of the slot means in order to enlarge the Wire boretherein. r c Y 16. A solderless wire connector comprising, incombination, telescoping interlocked contractile parts, one of which isa cylindrical receptacle,

capable of distortion when under internal pressure, and another partforming an internal bushing adapted to be, inserted into an end of thereceptacle, the bushing also being conical externally and having anengaging surface shorter than and coacting with the internal surface ofthe receptacle, the conical surface having a diameter greater than thatof the receptacle thereby exerting the internal pressure and effectingthe distortion aforesaid when the bushing is pushed into the receptacle;the reaction of such internal pressure and distortion serving toincreasingly contract the bushing as it progressively slides into thereceptacle by a constantly applied force from a plier-like tool, one jawof which is adapted to press'longitudinally on .one end of said busingand the other jaw thereof to rest'upon the other end of the receptacle,the bushing having a wire-receiving bore which terminates in an enlargedconical opening at the smaller end of the bushing; slots included in thebushing extending from the larger end towards the smaller end, andterminating within the conical opening of the wire-receiving bore,thereby rendering it collapsible around a wire adapted to be insertedtherein, and the bushing being expanded the lengthtof the slots toenlarge the wire-receiving bore throughout its length, "said bushingbeing adapted to attain its nally permanent anchorage when it reaches aposition wholly within the receptacle, whereby the ends of saidreceptacle overhang and circumferentially pinch the bushing ends.

17. A solderless wire connector comprising, `in combination, telescopinginterlocked contractile aparts, one of which is a receptacle capable ofdistortion when under internal pressure, and another part forming aninternal bushing adapted t be carried by and projecting from one'end ofthe receptacle, the vbushing also being conical externally and having anengaging surface shorter than and coacting with the internal surface ofthe receptacle, the conical surface having a diameter greater than thatof the receptacle thereby exerting the internal pressure and effectingthe distortion aforesaid when the bushing is pushed to the receptacle;the reaction of such internal lpressure and distortion' serving toincreasingly contract the bushing as it progressively slides into saidreceptacle by a constantly 75 applied force from a plier-like tool, onejaw of which is adaptedto press longitudinally on one end of saidbushing and the other jaw thereof to rest upon the other end of thereceptacle, the bushing having a wire-receiving bore which terminates inan enlarged conical mouth at lthe smaller end of the bushing; slotsincluded in the bushing extending from the larger end towards thesmaller end and terminating within the conical mouth, thereby renderingthe bushing collapsible around a wire adapted to be inserted therein,and said slots dividing the bushing into contractile arms, a groove inthe external surface of the bushing adjacent the terminations of theslots and forming a biting shoulder, the bushing being expanded thelength of the slots to enlarge the wire-receiving bore and to close theclearance between the groove and receptacle by bringing the arms intoengagement with said receptacle to securely anchor the bushing therein,the bushing being adapted to attain its finally. permanent anchoragewhen it reaches a position wholly within the receptacle, whereby theends of the receptacle overhang the bushing and contract tocircumferentially bind and grip it therein.

18. A wire connector having two parts, in combination, comprising areceptacle having an open end, a ring with a press t inserted part wayinto the receptacle; clamping arms integral with the ring, extendingaxially therefrom, and projecting from the end of the receptacle, theoverall length of the ring and its arms being less than that of thereceptacle; the projecting clamping arms being bent outwardly from eachother and adapted to receive a wire therebetween, the wire and the armsbeing adapted to be anchored within the receptacle when forcing the armslongitudinally thereinto until their outer ends come to rest behind theopen end of said receptac e.

19. A wire connector comprising, in combination, a sleeve, a conicalbushing shorter than the sleeve and carried therein, with the sleeveends overhanging the Abushing ends, when said bushing is all the wayinside the sleeve; said bushing having a bore therethrough, and beingformed with slots cutting through its larger end, extending toward itssmaller end, but stopping short thereof, and thus forming an annularrigid portion on said small end; whereby the larger bushing end iscapable of being expanded by bending its slotted parts outwardlyrelatively to the annular rigid portion, and consequently is capable ofenlargement of the bore by such expansion, when the annular rigidportion is only part way in the sleeve.

S'I'EPHEN N. BUCHANAN.

